FX has ordered a pilot for drama project “Hoke,” with Paul Giamatti attached to star.

“Hoke” is a darkly comedic drama based on Charles Willeford’s series of novels “Sideswipe,” “New Hope for the Dead” and “The Way We Die Now.” Project centers on Hoke Moseley (Giamatti), a hard-boiled and possibly insane homicide detective in 1985 Miami.

Scott Frank, who penned “Minority Report” and “Out of Sight’s” screenplays, serves as scribe and helmer on the pilot episode of “Hoke.” Should “Hoke” be picked up to series, Frank will serve as showrunner.

“Like Elmore Leonard, Charles Willeford is one of the most deeply respected writers of crime fiction and he created a wholly original and colorful lead character in Detective Hoke Mosely,” said Eric Schrier, prez of original programming at FX Networks and FX Prods. “Scott Frank delivered a magnificent script and we are honored that Paul Giamatti will bring Hoke to life. We’re grateful to Curtis Hanson, Carol Fenelon, Paul, and Dan Carey for bringing us this project.”

Giamatti is represented by Kipperman Management and UTA. Hanson, Fenelon and Carey are represented by UTA. Frank is represented by CAA.